WSA Exchange
WSA Exchange

WSA Exchange podcast

Listen to our podcast.

WSA Exchange presents the WSA Exchange Pod, a series introducing you to students, leading educators, researchers and industry connections, who share their thoughts on all things creative.

Recent episodes

ACADEMIC THINKERS - Rethinking textiles: Sustainability, Craft, and the Meaning of Luxury

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In this episode, Dr. Elaine Igoe and Professor Jo Turney delve into the vital role textiles play in our everyday lives and unpack the complex concept of ‘sustainability’ in the context of fabrics, materials, and clothing. The conversation highlights how artisanal and craft-based practices are not only preserving tradition but also driving innovation in sustainable textile design. Together, they explore how luxury in textiles can be understood beyond high-end products, encompassing meaningful experiences and mindful consumption.

This episode introduces an exciting new undergraduate programme launching in 2025 at Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton: BA (Hons) Sustainable Luxury (Textiles)—a course designed to shape the future of textile design.

FASHION THINKERS - Decoding Sue Clowes: Reinterpreting 1980s Fashion for a New Generation 

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This episode brings together project leads, curators, and students to unpack Sue Clowes Reimagined, a collaborative project exploring how 1980s fashion can inspire radical new visions today. Sharon Williams, Shaun Cole, and I reflect on Clowes’ subversive designs and her enduring impact on British fashion. Students share behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Decoded magazine, styling archival-inspired pieces, and reinterpreting Clowes’ aesthetic through sustainability, visual storytelling, and contemporary craft. We discuss the challenges of fashion reinterpretation, the energy of the final runway show and exhibition, and what this project reveals about identity, expression, and the power of creative research.